On Tuesday, expect Vancouver Canucks wives and girlfriends to be focused on their goal: raising money to help others in need.

As soon as the doors open to Rogers Arena for the game against the Carolina Hurricanes, more than 10 wives and girlfriends will be on the concourse selling balloons to raise money for The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund.

Now in its 17th year, the fundraiser has become an annual tradition for the NHL team.

“Our fans are so generous,” said Alex Oxenham, senior director of community partnerships for Canucks Sports and Entertainment. “It sort of kicks off the holiday season for us. It is something we always look forward to every year. It is such a simple way to raise money for families in need.”

Each balloon is $20, but people can donate more. Inside each balloon is a number that corresponds to merchandise that includes tickets to Canucks games and other prizes.

The balloon fundraiser continues through the pre-game and into the first and second intermissions until fans donate money for all 200 balloons.

“The wives and girlfriends step up in front on the concourse with our fans,” Oxenham said. “They’re right out there having fun and raising money.”

Holly Donaldson, Bo Horvat’s girlfriend, said not only is it fun taking part in the fundraiser, she loves seeing the reaction of fans when they win.

“It’s awesome to see how generous our fans are to support the Empty Stocking Fund,” she said by email. “They often give over and above the $20 donation or buy multiple balloons.”

Laura Calvert, Sven Baertschi’s fiancée, said Vancouver has given the couple a very warm welcome since they arrived in March 2015.

“We are very lucky to be where we are and I think it’s our responsibility to give back whenever we can,” she said by email. “I like to participate in as much as I can to help make this community a stronger and happier place for everyone.”

The Empty Stocking Fund has helped hundreds of thousands of children, families and singles in need in Metro Vancouver since it started in 1918. In 2016, more than $270,000 was donated to the fund and distributed through the United Way of the Lower Mainland.